Lake Natoma sits in the quiet corridor below Nimbus Dam, tucked between Rancho Cordova and Gold River about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento. Part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, it draws kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, rowers, anglers, and cyclists looking for calm water and a paved trail without the crowds that build up on Folsom Lake itself.
What Makes Lake Natoma Different
Unlike Folsom Lake to the north, Lake Natoma is managed primarily for non-motorized and slow-speed aquatic recreation. The California Department of Parks and Recreation keeps it designated for rowing, kayaking, SUP, and similar uses, which means the water stays calmer and the launch areas are less congested on most weekend mornings. The lake stretches roughly five miles from Nimbus Dam downstream toward the Sacramento-area suburb of Rancho Cordova, with the American River flowing out at its western end.
Competitive rowers from Sacramento-area clubs train here regularly, and the lake has hosted organized regattas over the years. For recreational paddlers, the absence of powerboats and jet skis is the main draw: a stable surface for a morning paddle without worrying about wake.
Access and Day Use Fees
The main access point is Nimbus Flat, a day-use area managed as part of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The vehicle day-use fee at Nimbus Flat is $10 per car, paid at the entry kiosk. The area includes launch ramps and beach access for non-motorized watercraft, picnic areas, restrooms, and parking. Standard park hours run daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
To reach Nimbus Flat from Sacramento, take Highway 50 east and exit at Hazel Avenue heading north. Follow the signs for the state recreation area. The area is also reachable via Folsom Boulevard and Nimbus Dam Road from the Rancho Cordova side.
The American River Parkway Trail
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail — the paved bike and pedestrian path that runs the length of the American River Parkway — passes directly alongside Lake Natoma. Cyclists and runners can access the trail from Nimbus Flat without paying the vehicle day-use fee if they arrive on foot or by bike; parking lots for the trail corridor are available separately at multiple points along the route.
The stretch of trail along Lake Natoma is flat and mostly shaded by oaks and cottonwoods. It connects westward toward Discovery Park and downtown Sacramento and eastward toward Historic Folsom and Old Town. The full Parkway trail runs 32 miles from Folsom to Discovery Park; the section along the lake is among the most scenic portions.
Fishing
Lake Natoma is open for fishing. The lake holds striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and other species. A valid California fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. The area has accessible fishing spots along the shoreline at Nimbus Flat and at other access points along the lake.
Dogs at Lake Natoma
Dogs are welcome on the trails and in the water at Nimbus Flat, but are not permitted in the designated swim area or on the turf area. Keep them leashed in the day-use area and parking lots as required under state park rules.
Current Conditions and Health Notices
The California Department of Parks and Recreation periodically issues health advisories for Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. As of late October 2026, an elevated E. coli advisory was in effect for some areas of the recreation area. Check for current advisories before swimming. The advisory specifically affected some Folsom Lake swim areas; conditions at Lake Natoma may differ, and the parks department posts updates at parks.ca.gov/FolsomLake.
Planning Your Visit
- Day use fee (Nimbus Flat): $10 per vehicle
- Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to sunset
- What’s available: Non-motorized boat launch, picnic areas, restrooms, trail access, fishing, swim area (subject to advisories)
- Dogs: Allowed on trails and in water; not in swim area or turf
- Fishing license: Required for ages 16 and up
- Contact: Folsom Lake SRA, (916) 988-0205
- Info: parks.ca.gov/FolsomLake
For a longer day, the drive up to Historic Folsom along Folsom Boulevard adds a walk through Old Town and a stop for lunch. The trail between Lake Natoma and Old Town is one of the more direct routes by bike, roughly six miles on paved path.
